Communication
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UN VHF Network for NGOs
UN VHF Network for NGOs
In order to promote communications inter-operability, the United Nations Country Team of Liberia invites interested NGOs to apply for access to the UN VHF Network.
Description of Service/Set Up
| Numbering | Usage | Usage |
| Channel 10 | UN / NGO Call (installed in field and Monrovia) | This channel is used for establishing a connection between UN and NGO (or UN - UN, NGO - NGO). If it is the only repeater installed in a location, it will also be used as working channel. This is a repeater channel and can only be used in areas there a repeater is installed. The local radio room is monitoring the traffic. |
| Channel 11 | UN / NGO work (installed in field and Monrovia) | This channel is used for conversations connection between UN and NGO then the communication is established on CH 11. Do not use this channel for conversation within your own agency. This is a repeater channel and can only be used in areas there a repeater is installed. |
| Channel 12 | UN / NGO Field Convoy simplex | This channel is used within a limited area in field. It might also be used after establishing communication on CH 10. This channel is also used for internal communication within convoys |
| Channel 13 | UN / NGO Call (alternative 10) | This channel is installed instead of channel 10 if interference is discovered from a neighbouring area |
| Channel 14 | UN / NGO work (alternative 11) | This channel is installed instead of channel 11 if interference is discovered from a neighbouring area |
Always check with the local radio room what channels are used in your area.
Terms and Conditions
- Access to the UN repeaters is not an entitlement for all NGO’s. Access will be given on a case-by-case basis. Implementing partners have priority.
- The channels can only be used for official communication.
- The channel (especially in Monrovia) should only be used for inter-agency communication. Agency-specific channels should be used for internal traffic.
- Only authorised UN standard call signs can be used. Call signs should be pronounced in full as issued. No abbreviations are tolerated. Details can be obtained from the UNSECOORD radio room.
- UN standard radio procedures should be followed. Check with the radio room if not sure.
- UN is only responsible for licensing the frequencies. If required, agencies themselves have to apply for license for communication equipment. All details on this form might be handed over to the government.
- The agencies signatory is fully responsible for all radios and usage of the channel. Theft or misuse should be reported.
- If any of the above rules are not followed, the access to the system will be terminated. The NGO will be obligated to bring the radios back to UN for removal of the channels.
- Document required (attached to application):
- List of radio serial numbers, name and function of users
- List of own agency specific frequencies / channels to be left in the radio after programming.
Application Procedure
Complete the application form and return it to the UNSECOORD office.
For more information please contact:
Martin Kristensson
UN TCO
WFP FITTEST
Tel: + 377 47 530 581
E-mail: martin.kristensson@wfp.org
General Communication Facilities in Liberia
Telecommunications
Liberia has two types of phone networks: a fixed line network and a cellular network. The cellular network is composed of one GSM and one non-GSM system. At present none of the various operators can interconnect, making it impossible for a customer to call from one system and/or network to the other.
GSM service provider
Lone Star Communications Corporation
The Lone Star Communications Corporation inaugurated mass cellular phone use in Liberia in 2001 utilising the GSM system common in Europe and other African countries. Two other companies, Atlantic Wireless Inc. (AWI) and ICOM Liberia Ltd., had earlier attempted to introduce cellular systems in Liberia. However, the high cost of service and phones made their services available to only a few customers, thus limiting their market impact and their size. The advent of Lone Star Communications consigned both of them to marginal roles in the market, which eventually led to the closure of ICOM.
The company has a quasi monopoly on GSM service in the Liberian economy. Lone Star has a larger subscription base than the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation.
The company offers Voice Mail and SMS services in addition to its call service.
Coverage area: Monrovia, Buchanan (Grand Bassa County) and Totota (Bong County)
Commercial department Tel: + 377 47 501004, 111 (free Customer Service number)
Services offered: SMS, voice mail, international & local calls
Oher Telephone Companies
Liberia Telecommunications Corporation
The Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) is a public corporation which is owned by the Government of Liberia. It has been in a state of decline for many years mainly due to mismanagement and deterioration of its facilities. The sector requires investment.
LTC is in the process of reactivating its fixed-line network, and many subscribers’ phones have been reactivated. The company will soon start registering new phones. In addition they offer fax services to the general public. Ii is possible for fax lines to be installed on your regular phone line or on an alternate line.
Telephones - main lines in use: 6,700 (2000)
Telephone system: telephone and telegraph service via microwave radio relay network; main centre is Monrovia.
International: satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
The LTC Head Office is located at the corner of Broad and Lynch Streets in Monrovia.
Atlantic Wireless Inc.
Atlantic Wireless Inc. (AWI) was one of the first companies that operated a cellular network in Liberia. However, its high prices made it inaccessible for ordinary Liberians.
AWHI operates a non-GSM system.
The AWI Head Office is located at Crown Hill, Broad Street in Monrovia.
Internet service providers
Data Technology Solutions (Data Tech)
P. O. Box 6053
18th street & Warner Ave., Sinkor
Monrovia, Liberia
Data Technology Solutions Inc. is Liberia’s first Internet service provider; it began operations in 1998, providing its initial services via the Liberia Telecommunications Corporation (LTC) system. Due to the inconsistencies in services provided by the LTC and the prevailing instability in the country, Data Tech closed its Internet service briefly in 1999. The company reopened in 2000 with a new wireless system linking Monrovia once more to the Internet.
Data Tech is an Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers access to the Internet with wireless technology. Data Tech also offers VSAT Solutions; computer training; networking cabling; network analysis; design and implementation; computer maintenance and repairs; and, system analysis.
Atlantic Wireless Inc. (AWI)
Crown Hill, Broad Street
Monrovia, Liberia
Atlantic Wireless Inc. (AWI) is an ISP that offers access to the Internet with wireless technology. The company commenced operating its Internet service in 2001, using the same type of wireless technology as Data technology Solutions Inc.
Internet Cafés
There are a large number of Internet cafés whose Internet connections are provided by either Data Tech or AWI. The connection is rather slow as both companies use wireless technology and they have more customers than their networks can sustain at peak times. Varying rates are charged usually depending upon hours of usage and times of usage. Users use the cafés for Internet phone calls and browsing.
The Humanitarian Information Centre (HIC) located at UNICEF in Mamba Point also provides a free Internet service for the humanitarian community
Forwarding/mail services
All of the forwarding and mail services in Liberia are subsidiaries, partners or agents of larger international corporations. With the exception of DHL, these services are independent operatives determining their basic rates and methods of operations within general guidelines provided by their international partners.
|
DHL |
Federal Express/Safeway Cargo Broad Street Monrovia, Liberia Sales & Marketing Manager: Emmanuel S. Ellis Tel: + 231 226611 Mobile: + 377 47 514534 Fax: + 231 226204 E-mail: liberiatrace@emc.fedex.com | |
| UPS/TNT/AIR Services Corp. Broad Street Monrovia, Liberia General Manager: Arthur Abdullai Tel: + 231 511201 |
Express Mail Services – Express Mail In’tl Carey & McDonald Street Intersection National Post Office Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications Monrovia, Liberia | |
| International Associated Services Liberia Inc. Vai Town, Bushrod Island Monrovia, Liberia Director: Musa Sharaffdeen Tel: + 377 47 531 434 E-mail: whitewave72@yahoo.com |
Liberia Travel Services Inc. Broad Street, Crown Hill Monrovia, Liberia C.E.O.: Randolph C.J. Cooper Tel: + 377 47 511 197 E-mail: liberiatravelservices@yahoo.com |
Media
The media industry is closely regulated by the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism (MICAT). The Ministry has its offices on Capitol Hill, adjacent to the Executive Mansion. The Ministry is mandated by law to regulate all information related entities, such as radio and television stations, newspapers, news agencies, advertising agencies, cinemas, printing presses and any kind of media-related activity. The MICAT works very closely with the Ministry of Post and Telecommunication in the execution of its duties.
The Ministry also serves as Chief Spokesman of the Government; it voices official government position as relates to international and national issues and programmes. The MICAT also informs the public on Government programmes, activities and manages the cultural heritage of Liberia as well as the tourism of Liberia.
Radio Stations
The advent of the war in 1990 and the subsequent liberalisation of the registration process for TV and radio stations is still in effect today. This liberalisation was followed by the succession of transitional governments in the 1990s who exercised little or no regulatory and executive power. This vacuum allowed individuals and organisations to open radio stations without passing through the normal bureaucratic procedures. In the late 1990s, there were ten radio and three TV stations in Monrovia.
Radio stations in Liberia that can be tuned to for regular news briefings
| 91.5 FM | UNMIL Radio (Official UNMIL radio station) |
| 101.1.FM | DC 101 (private radio station) |
| 98.7 FM | Radio Veritas (Catholic radio station) Owned and operated by the Catholic Church, Archdiocese of Monrovia, it operates both on FM and short-wave bands. |
| 99.9 FM | ELBC (State Radio) |
| 103 FM | British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) A relay station of the British Broadcasting Corporation in collaboration with the Liberia Broadcasting System, it airs all programmes of BBC World. |
| 106 FM | Radio France Internationale (RFI) A relay station of Radio France Internationale in collaboration with the Liberia Broadcasting System, it airs all programmes of Radio France Int’l. |
TV Stations
| CLAR TV CHANNEL 10 | CLAR TV is owned and operated by Royal Communication Inc. Tel: + 37747 514414 E-mail: royalcomlr@yahoo.com |
| DC TV CHANNEL 11 | DC TV is owned and operated by the Ducor Broadcasting Corporation Tel: + 37747 510487 |
Newspapers
The print media in Liberia has blossomed in the months following the resignation of former President Charles Taylor, with a total of 15 newspapers being registered at the Ministry of Information Culture and Tourism (MICAT). The majority of these newspapers come on the newsstands on a weekly or by-weekly basis. Only the Independent Inquirer, the News and the Analyst are printed on a daily basis.
Major newspapers and media-related institutions:
- The News Broad Street
Mr. Jerome Dalieh, Managing Director, Tel: + 377 47 517 470 - The Inquirer
Gurley Street
Mr. Philip N. Wesseh, Managing Director, Tel: + 377 47 516 533 - The Analyst
Carey Street
Mr. Stanley Seakor, Managing Director, Tel: + 377 516 334 - Press Union of Liberia (PUL)
Clay Street
Mr. Terence Sesay, President, Tel: + 377 47 513376 - Ministry of Information, Culture, & Tourism
Capitol Hill
Mr. Moore T. Butler, Public Affairs Director, Tel: + 377 47 526292 - Ministry of Information, Culture, & Tourism
Capitol Hill
Mr. Emmanuel Todd, National Communications Director, Tel: + 377 47 551 944 - Ministry of Information, Culture, & Tourism
Capitol Hill
Mr. Samuel Lansa, Liberia National News Deputy Director
